Joppa Branch
Community History
The area which includes Joppatowne was first settled in Colonial times. The town then known as Joppa was a thriving international seaport located on the Gunpowder River in the 1700s, but the development of other harbors led to the decline of the port, and by 1815 the town lay in ruins. The Rumsey Mansion, which was built in 1768, is the only structure of that town that remains today.
In 1962, Joppatowne was developed by Leon Panitz as one of the first planned communities in the country. The housing was planned to create a blended community, with apartments, townhomes, duplexes, and a range of model single-family homes. The residential mix has been retained over the years, resulting in an essentially working class/middle class population with a median household income of $57,799 according to 2000 census data.
Many aspects of the original planned community have remained: churches and schools within walking distance, a marina, a swimming pool & tennis club, and many waterfront homes with boating slips.
Recently, the Joppatowne Plaza shopping center has been revitalized with the addition of a weekly Flea Market and Pennsylvania Dutch Market open on Thursday through Saturday. Redner's Market has been open for several years now, once again providing local residents with a convenient place to shop for groceries.
Mariner Point Park, with paved nature walks along the water, picnic tables, playing fields, and playground equipment, is a popular destination for residents and visitors.
Branch History
One amenity that was lacking in Joppatowne in the 1960s and 1970s was a public library, and residents clamored for one to be built. After the opening of a new library in Aberdeen in 1975, the Joppatowne population had increased significantly, so the Library Board of Trustees moved forward with plans to build a new branch. The board members worked for years trying to find the most appropriate site for a library and finally met with success when they were able to purchase land from the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.
The Joppa Branch Library opened for the first time as a new building based on the Aberdeen Branch's blueprint in July 1980. Located on Towne Center Drive in Joppatowne, the branch was designed to serve not only the Joppatowne community, but also residents of Joppa and other areas west of U.S. 40 as well as communities in nearby eastern Baltimore County.
Many improvements have been made to the branch in recent years:
- In the summer of 2000, the Joppa Branch was renovated and redecorated, with new shelving; areas designated for children and for teens; new carpeting, flooring, and furnishings; additional computers for patrons and staff; and increased office space for staff.
- In 2001, additional renovations were made to entrances, restrooms, and the water fountain to make the branch ADA compliant.
- In 2003, the branch was provided with an attractive and functional outdoor sign near the parking lot entrance. This has helped customers to find the branch (which is tucked away in a semi-residential neighborhood) and to learn what programs are being offered. Also in 2003 a lighting improvement project was completed - resulting in greatly enhanced interior and exterior lighting.
- In 2007, striking new interior signage was installed, designating areas of the library and its collections. Customers new to the branch often comment that it is attractive and spacious.
- The library has continued to upgrade its computers over the years. The 18 public computers are used heavily for internet access and word processing.
Branch Character
The Joppa Branch prides itself on being a true community library, providing friendly, personal service. Long-time branch employees who live in the community have watched children become adults who continue to use the library. In recent years librarians and volunteers have frequently assisted customers in setting up e-mail accounts and completing online job applications.
The branch's story times and large family programs often take place in the evenings or on Saturdays to accommodate customer's schedules. Summer is an especially busy time, with young people signing up for Summer Reading and participating in many activities and programs offered by the branch.
The branch emphasizes its function as a community center by offering many programs for adults, teens, and families. Large family programs offered every year include a Halloween Party, a Holiday Open House, a Valentines Party, and a Spring Fling and a yearly brunch reception for Winter Reading Program completers. The adult book discussion group is attended by a core group of participants every month.
Teen programs include origami, gaming, anime, and Kendo and currently the branch offers Random Teen Madness for a regular group of teens every Wednesday.
Joppa Friends
A new Joppa Friends group was established in September 2006. The Friends have been very strong supporters of the library system and have made significant contributions to the success of the Joppa Branch. The Friends raise money through used book sales (three each year), online book selling throughout the year, various raffles (American Girl Dolls, a Nook Color), membership dues, and the sale of Entertainment Books.
In FY2010 the Friends donated over $10,000 to purchase furnishings and equipment and to sponsor programs. Below are listed just some of the many contributions the Joppa Friends have made in recent years.
Furnishings include: a loveseat in the picture book area, CD display units in the children's room, a board book display unit in the picture book area, and armchairs in the teen area. A 40-inch flat screen TV, Wii game system, & Guitar Hero game for Wii were all purchased for teen programs.
Programs:
- Big-ticket programs for children every summer, such as those presented by the Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, the National Aquarium, & various professional performers, including magician Mike Rose.
- Annual events including the Holiday Open House, Halloween Party, Valentines Party, and the Spring Fling.
- Programs for adults and teens, such as cooking demonstrations, presentations by authors and photographers, ice cream socials, catered teas, and the Adult Winter Reading Program. In recent months the Friends sponsored a three-class session on Beginning Watercolors, which was greatly appreciated by the 13 attending adults.
- Friends also sponsored the branch's 25 th and 30 th anniversary celebrations, which included refreshments, prizes, and performances by the Extreme Balloon Man.
Community Groups
The Joppa Branch has an ongoing partnership with several community groups. The Joppatowne Woman's Club partners with the library each year to present a popular Brunch with Santa attended by over 50 children. The Woman's Club members prepare refreshments, secure Santa, and buy gifts for all the children. The Woman's Club also coordinates with the library to present a children's art show each March. Art created by local children is displayed and judged in the meeting room, and prizes are awarded. Joppa Friends have provided financial assistance to the Woman's Club when needed to help cover the cost of prizes. The Woman's Club also donated $300 to the branch, which was used to purchase a bench for parents and children in the picture book area and a puppet theater and puppets.
For many years the Joppatowne Garden Club landscaped the branch grounds and the Coast Guard Auxiliary presents two six-week courses on boating safety to community residents each year.
Upcoming Programs
Search for upcoming programs at the Joppa Branch
Address & Contact
655 Towne Center Dr.
Joppa, MD 21085
Phone: 410-612-1660
Fax: 410-612-1662
Branch Hours
| Mon & Wed | 10:00 am - 8:00 pm |
| Tue & Thu | 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
| Fri & Sat | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Branch Manager
The Joppa Branch Library first opened in a new building in 1980. Customers comment on the pleasant atmosphere and attractive appearance of the recently renovated branch and the friendly, professional service they receive. The branch has an extensive collection of talking books, videos, and DVDs, as well as many new books and magazines. Computers are readily available for Internet access and word processing. We offer a variety of exciting programs for adults, teens, and children - including a drop-in story time every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Our three used book sales each year (in September, February, and June) feature a large selection of items at reasonable prices.
Directions
From I-95: Take Exit 74 to Rt. 152 East (Mountain Road).
Follow Rt. 152, then turn right onto Rt. 40 West.
Follow directions from Rt. 40 (below).
From Rt. 40: Turn south onto Joppa Farm Road at the Joppatowne Plaza.
Follow Joppa Farm Road for one mile and turn right at Towne Center Drive.
The library is on the right.
